David Malukas is able to shake the ‘Lil’ Dave’ nickname and develop into ‘Massive Dave.’
For that to occur, although, the 24-old must earn that long-awaited maiden win within the IndyCar Collection. And this weekend presents his finest alternative but after blazing to his first profession pole for Saturday’s race at Phoenix Raceway.
The Chicago native made qualifying look simple, ripping his #12 Group Penske Chevrolet across the 1-mile tri-oval for a two-lap common of 175.383mph, besting teammate and infamous oval overlord Josef Newgarden.
It’s a robust consequence that additional validates Penske’s reasoning in choosing Malukas to interchange Will Energy, a two-time collection champion and 2018 Indianapolis 500 winner that left after 17 years to affix Andretti World. The mix of that, not to mention driving for essentially the most prestigious crew in Indy automotive historical past, brings a heavier weight than most must take care of.
“It doesn’t matter what crew I have been with and all through these years in IndyCar, I’ve all the time had a type of stress to take care of, and I believe that for Group Penske it is a particular stress,” stated Malukas, who grew to become the sixty fifth driver to assert a pole place for Group Penske. “It is one which I am very excited to take care of.
“For me Group Penske has all the time been my dream. Going right into a automotive that had a legacy, the Verizon #12 automotive, all through all these years, the historical past, and clearly Will Energy, what an unbelievable title. I grew up watching him on the TV. There’s positively stress there.
“Irrespective of the place you are at, you all the time have a type of stress, however I believe on this one it is one which I am excited to take care of, one which I really feel like I will thrive in. Simply being at Group Penske, that surroundings, I have been with many alternative groups, and it’s extremely particular.”
Altering his present nickname
David Malukas, Group Penske
Picture by: Gavin Baker / Lumen through Getty Photos
If Malukas can deal with the stress and be the primary to take the checkered flag after 250 laps on Saturday, he’ll drop the self-anointed nickname that’s existed since his sophomore season in 2023 with Dale Coyne Racing.
“A Group Penske win, but additionally my first win, and simply all-around a win is what we’re pushing for,” stated Malukas, who has a finest end of second (twice – 2025 Indianapolis 500, 2022 World Large Expertise Raceway) in 63 profession begins.
“That is positively what I actually wish to do and may totally drop this Lil’ Dave title that is been hanging on for too lengthy.
“Yeah, a win can be incredible. With this crew, we’ve got each alternative at each racetrack to get it finished.”
An IndyCar consultant then prompt, “And develop into Massive Dave.”
To which Malukas stated, “Yeah, that is going to be the brand new title”
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